There is one country missing from that list..Georgia which boasts some 11,000 members and has appeared in World Cups in the past. It is also competing in the 2017 European Championships for a place at December's World Cup. I understand both former Eastern bloc countries, Romania and Bulgaria are also emerging in the game.

Last edited by baggygreenmania on Sat May 06, 2017 6:13 am, edited 1 time in total.

There is one country missing from that list..Georgia which boasts some 11,000 members and has appeared in World Cups in the past. It is also competing in the 2017 European Championships for a place at December's World Cup.

He's just going to counter with a list of teams that play in some intl AFL comp that even Australia does not participate in. He's stuffed at professional clubs with full time pros in Wales, England, NZ, Aus and France tho.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

baggygreenmania wrote:Hope those nongs at the NRL got the gist of what Cameron Smith was hinting at in his acceptance speech after the Kangaroo's belting of the Kiwis. It was plain as day that our 'Roos skippper was having a dig at the short preparation allowed for the Anzac Test. Wake up you knob heads at League Hqts and give international Rugby League Tests the respect they deserve.

Yeah - Mal wants the full works. He's keen full Kangaroo tours off season to England, and Kiwi (home and away). It is a nightmare for clubs and scheduling BUT Mal is a driving force to get more international football whether it be in or off season. Fox and nine will be keen on the increased off season games for more content, there's a lil gap between the NRL grandfinal and the Gabba test.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

baggygreenmania wrote:Hope those nongs at the NRL got the gist of what Cameron Smith was hinting at in his acceptance speech after the Kangaroo's belting of the Kiwis. It was plain as day that our 'Roos skippper was having a dig at the short preparation allowed for the Anzac Test. Wake up you knob heads at League Hqts and give international Rugby League Tests the respect they deserve.

Yeah - Mal wants the full works. He's keen full Kangaroo tours off season to England, and Kiwi (home and away). It is a nightmare for clubs and scheduling BUT Mal is a driving force to get more international football whether it be in or off season. Fox and nine will be keen on the increased off season games for more content, there's a lil gap between the NRL grandfinal and the Gabba test.

If anyone can drive this it will be Mal. I can recall the full on Kangaroo tours of the past. They played England then a England 2nd 13 for the reserve members of the squad and then another test et al. When was the last time the Poms came here for a full on end of season tour? Seems a long time ago. The International body has to build on its good work with minnow countries and give them competition against some of the full member countries. The European RL is doing something like that with minnows being pitted against the likes of England and Ireland rep 13s.

Paddles wrote:Yeah - Mal wants the full works. He's keen full Kangaroo tours off season to England, and Kiwi (home and away). It is a nightmare for clubs and scheduling BUT Mal is a driving force to get more international football whether it be in or off season. Fox and nine will be keen on the increased off season games for more content, there's a lil gap between the NRL grandfinal and the Gabba test.

If anyone can drive this it will be Mal. I can recall the full on Kangaroo tours of the past. They played England then a England 2nd 13 for the reserve members of the squad and then another test et al. When was the last time the Poms came here for a full on end of season tour? Seems a long time ago. The International body has to build on its good work with minnow countries and give them competition against some of the full member countries. The European RL is doing something like that with minnows being pitted against the likes of England and Ireland rep 13s.

Super League changed the England season amongst other things. It was losing ground to Rugby which went pro from 1995/6 when Fox went after both rugbies.

1994 was the last Ashes tour by Aus. Britain toured Australia mid season in 1992. 1993 and 1991 were mid year Test series between NZ and Aus. Britain used to tour NZ before the regular SL inspired tri series events. SL announced itself in 1995 and changes took effect well before 1997 commenced in Aus. Packer's fight only had teeth in Sydney with loyal NSWRL clubs, SL won England and northern hemisphere easy.

Theres no easy balance but I want more of the intl season mid year in Aus and not end of year. I have no issue with end of year tours by Kangaroos (or mid year by Kiwis and Roos). The main issue the NRL has if there are too many NRL club byes; the AFL gets more viewers. Thats why its mostly post season.

Im bloody impressed England is in Sydney to play Samoa right now.

By the way guess who broadcasts a lot of cricket in India? Fox owns Star Sports.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

There is one country missing from that list..Georgia which boasts some 11,000 members and has appeared in World Cups in the past. It is also competing in the 2017 European Championships for a place at December's World Cup. I understand both former Eastern bloc countries, Romania and Bulgaria are also emerging in the game.

Here here Mick. Dragons are resigned to losing Josh Dugan (Sharks) and Russell Packer (West Tigers). Will now provide room under the cap to retain Tim Lafai and Jason Nightingale who should be given the chance to play out his career as a one club man.

Had a chuckle over the details of Dugan's departure from the Red V. He left the Dragons partly for greed as he believed he was worth more money and partly because he wanted to play at full back whereas the Dragons hierachy wanted him at centre. It now appears that the Sharks want him at centre as well as Valentine Holmes appears to have full back sewn up. Suck eggs Mr Dugan.

The return of inspirational skipper Gareth Widdop propelled the Dragons to its second win on the trot today. Not sure why the game was played at the monstrous Olympic Stadium when just 12,000 + fans were in attendance. Tristan Sailor, son of Wendell is making a name for himself in the Dragons Holden Cup U20 side. Also making an apperarance in the big win was the youngest of the Morris boys. Wow does this boy not only look like his dad "Slippery" but also moves like him.

Mick180461 wrote:Well after a terrlble few days that win certainly has certainly cheered me up.Go the mighty BluesNSW 28 Qld 4Go the mighty Blues.

Limp performance by the maroons. I was unimpressed with centres Chambers and ONeill. Qld has some more good forwards to bring in like Hess, but they were sorely missing GI and JT. Slater may return for game 2, but Qld wingers Gagai and Oates were v good - so where to for Boyd? Gagai to centre?

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Mick180461 wrote:Well after a terrlble few days that win certainly has certainly cheered me up.Go the mighty BluesNSW 28 Qld 4Go the mighty Blues.

Limp performance by the maroons. I was unimpressed with centres Chambers and ONeill. Qld has some more good forwards to bring in like Hess, but they were sorely missing GI and JT. Slater may return for game 2, but Qld wingers Gagai and Oates were v good - so where to for Boyd? Gagai to centre?

Gagai has been moved to centre and Boyd onto the wing with Slater returning. ONeill has been dropped, but so has Oates, despite receiving praise from the coach, Valentine Holmes is set to kick off his origin career (and Oates only had the jersey due to his drinking excursion with Napa and Milford last year).

While Myles was dropped unsurprisingly, Sam Thaiday has also been exited as Queensland bring in young legs. I'm a little surprised that Sam has been dropped as well, but welcome all the new young Cowboys talent into the Queensland set up.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Bugger, someone forgot to change the Batteries in the NSW Robots at 1/2 time last night, someone will get their backside kicked today. Hate it when that happens.Oh another thing when did the Law change on forward passes, there's been at least a dozen over the 1st 2 games that have not been called. Thurstons pass from the ground must have been at least a metre forward and blatant tackling of players off the ball, the Slater incident in the second half was as bad as Thurston's pass.Overall a very poor game of Rugby League that neither side deserved to win.

Mick180461 wrote:Bugger, someone forgot to change the Batteries in the NSW Robots at 1/2 time last night, someone will get their backside kicked today. Hate it when that happens.Oh another thing when did the Law change on forward passes, there's been at least a dozen over the 1st 2 games that have not been called. Thurstons pass from the ground must have been at least a metre forward and blatant tackling of players off the ball, the Slater incident in the second half was as bad as Thurston's pass.Overall a very poor game of Rugby League that neither side deserved to win.

But a Queensland fumble early on that went directly backwards was still called a knock on. Pleased for a Qld victory, I want JT to go out a winner. Gagai - what a finisher!

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Mick180461 wrote:Johnathon Thurston is out for the season, is that the end of one of the games all time greats?

Could be at rep level.

He is at Cowboys next year but the World Cip this year was to be his rep football finale.

But he may respond to a 1 game S.O.S next year, despite retirement. Until they quit club football - anything is possible.

It my be his intention to return next year but at 35 you don't heal as fast, it's a lot harder to get up in the morning, motivation becomes harder. Still reckon it would be 50-50 him returning next year. Personally he's got nothing left to prove, he's won a million Origins, a Premiership, WCs. Time to step down gracefully, hate to see great players go one season to long(even if he is a Banana-Bender).

I think he's one of the best to ever lace on a boot myself BUT he is part of a shared generation that loves to give shared credit to Lockyer, Smith, Slater and GI (and in time perhaps Cronks legacy will grow).

I find this benefits Lockyer far far too much.

Personally, I'd take JT and GI ahead of the rest, but its a much contested topic. JT and GI brilliance has been essential to Qld origin success, Smith, Lockyer and Slater have been more replacable in the past.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

He is at Cowboys next year but the World Cip this year was to be his rep football finale.

But he may respond to a 1 game S.O.S next year, despite retirement. Until they quit club football - anything is possible.

It my be his intention to return next year but at 35 you don't heal as fast, it's a lot harder to get up in the morning, motivation becomes harder. Still reckon it would be 50-50 him returning next year. Personally he's got nothing left to prove, he's won a million Origins, a Premiership, WCs. Time to step down gracefully, hate to see great players go one season to long(even if he is a Banana-Bender).

While you blokes wax lyrical over JT the jury is still out for me.To me he has always been an ad lib player..much in the vein of Benji Marshall. Those blokes can often run hot and cold as witnessed by Marshall's stop/start Dragons stint. Brilliant one game mediocre and mistake riddled the next. I have always rated JT a more consistent player than Marshall however.Having said that,there have been occasions when I am not even sure JT knew what he was doing. One of his best weapons imo is his double pump dummy. I have seen that destroy defences. He does tho seems to keep his best for SOO not when he slips on the Kangaroo jumper. If he has played his last game he will probably be remembred as one the greats I suppose. He would not be an Immortal if I was doing the voting.

The Dragons are back on track thanks to a Gareth Widdop masterclass at their spiritual Kogarah home on the weekend. Widdop in one of his best ever games for the Red V orchestrated no less than 4 tries and was single handedly responsible for the amazing comeback after lemons. Widds was in everything in attack and defence and cleaning up. He really is the polished product these days. No Jack de Belin. He isn't injured is he? Tyson Frizzell was also a standout backing up from his strong game in SOO.

Paddles wrote:I think he's one of the best to ever lace on a boot myself BUT he is part of a shared generation that loves to give shared credit to Lockyer, Smith, Slater and GI (and in time perhaps Cronks legacy will grow).

I find this benefits Lockyer far far too much.

Personally, I'd take JT and GI ahead of the rest, but its a much contested topic. JT and GI brilliance has been essential to Qld origin success, Smith, Lockyer and Slater have been more replacable in the past.

Greg Inglis the best NSW League player in the last 20 years. That is not a typo, it's the truth.

Mick180461 wrote:It my be his intention to return next year but at 35 you don't heal as fast, it's a lot harder to get up in the morning, motivation becomes harder. Still reckon it would be 50-50 him returning next year. Personally he's got nothing left to prove, he's won a million Origins, a Premiership, WCs. Time to step down gracefully, hate to see great players go one season to long(even if he is a Banana-Bender).

While you blokes wax lyrical over JT the jury is still out for me.To me he has always been an ad lib player..much in the vein of Benji Marshall. Those blokes can often run hot and cold as witnessed by Marshall's stop/start Dragons stint. Brilliant one game mediocre and mistake riddled the next. I have always rated JT a more consistent player than Marshall however.Having said that,there have been occasions when I am not even sure JT knew what he was doing. One of his best weapons imo is his double pump dummy. I have seen that destroy defences. He does tho seems to keep his best for SOO not when he slips on the Kangaroo jumper. If he has played his last game he will probably be remembred as one the greats I suppose. He would not be an Immortal if I was doing the voting.

I think you'll find JT's roo jumper performances far outweigh his replacements and the 2013 rlwc was quite a JT showcase. I suspect a lot of NZ success over Aus has been in Thurston's absence such as 2008 rlwc final. His game is far more than 'show n goes' and flat cut out passes to the winger, which he does very very well. JT year after year made the Cowboys a deep finals threat despite 7th tackles and more unfortunate ref calls- I really don't know what you're basing this post on.

As a Qld fan I'd have him ahead of Langer and Lockyer and partnering Lewis in the halves in the ATG Qld side.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Paddles wrote:I think he's one of the best to ever lace on a boot myself BUT he is part of a shared generation that loves to give shared credit to Lockyer, Smith, Slater and GI (and in time perhaps Cronks legacy will grow).

I find this benefits Lockyer far far too much.

Personally, I'd take JT and GI ahead of the rest, but its a much contested topic. JT and GI brilliance has been essential to Qld origin success, Smith, Lockyer and Slater have been more replacable in the past.

Greg Inglis the best NSW League player in the last 20 years. That is not a typo, it's the truth.

Big call for to some fans with Joey and Fittler playing in this period. But I agree that those match winning or score separating tries he scored or laid on for Darius are worth at the very least few series wins all up, but he's not a Billy Slater, Cameron Smith or Darren Lockyer type star to talk up. Put simply, Qld dont win 10/11 without GI.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Mick180461 wrote:Greg Inglis the best NSW* League player in the last 20 years. That is not a typo, it's the truth.

Big call for to some fans with Joey and Fittler playing in this period. But I agree that those match winning or score separating tries he scored or laid on for Darius are worth at the very least few series wins all up, but he's not a Billy Slater, Cameron Smith or Darren Lockyer type star to talk up. Put simply, Qld dont win 10/11 without GI.

I was being sarscastic* about the ridiculous rule thay has Inglis playing for a state he has never been a resident of against the .state he was born in, grew up in and has lived in except for the handfull of years he played for the Storm : Qld would not have won 10/11 without him. Yes i do rate Joey & Freddy in front of him. At least in the bad old days pre Origion Beetson @ co were residents of NSW at the time of selection.The rule of playing for the state you played your 1st game of Senior Footy in should only come into it were there is doubt and there is no doubt who Inglis should have qualified for

Paddles wrote:Big call for to some fans with Joey and Fittler playing in this period. But I agree that those match winning or score separating tries he scored or laid on for Darius are worth at the very least few series wins all up, but he's not a Billy Slater, Cameron Smith or Darren Lockyer type star to talk up. Put simply, Qld dont win 10/11 without GI.

I was being sarscastic* about the ridiculous rule thay has Inglis playing for a state he has never been a resident of against the .state he was born in, grew up in and has lived in except for the handfull of years he played for the Storm : Qld would not have won 10/11 without him. Yes i do rate Joey & Freddy in front of him. At least in the bad old days pre Origion Beetson @ co were residents of NSW at the time of selection.The rule of playing for the state you played your 1st game of Senior Footy in should only come into it were there is doubt and there is no doubt who Inglis should have qualified for

Old debate, old issue. To summarise:

Greg did play and live in Qld for a time but NOT his first senior footy. But he believes that Qld is less racist inselection than NSW so he chose them when they offered. Joey and Timana saga subsequently justified his opinion based on perceived racism to many.

But sarcasm or not, he is one of the best NSWman who has played origin in the last 20 years - albeit in a Maroon jumper.

Plenty of Qlders, Kiwis, even Fijians and allsorts just to start with have worn the blue jumper in the past. Both teams have a history somewhat of state of choice in state of origin.

Joey's origin history is curious to rate given his droppings and second fiddle to Kimmorley and Toovey, game 2 2005 notwithstanding. I'd have Joey ahead of Lockyer as a half cos Lockyer was a turnstile in defence and just 'swooped' and chimed in in the backline as against Joey who made things happen. There's no doubt Joey at his peak was sublime and a completely gifted footballer, but he spent many games and seasons below this peak level. But what do I know - I still wonder why Ricky Stuart gets so little love for his playin' career. All Lockyer did was pass n kick - neither as far or as dynamic as Sticky.

GI has always made things happen in possession of the ball, even if just sucking in multiple defenders and shortening the defensive line to make space elsewhere on the next tackle.

Elite honesty: At the toss Faf said to Finch that you lads can bat - Finch replied "no, no we can't-we really can't".

Finch then saw Travis Head and Darcy Short start put on sun screen and said "Getting a bit optimistic aren't you?"

Can the Dragons kick on from here and make the finals for the first time in several years. They absolutely blew the Sea Eagles off Win Stadium last Sunday. The Red V know that it will have to have playmaker Gareth Widdop pulling the strings if it is to be there come finals time.

The Dragons best start to a season in well over a decade is about to start crumbling if as expected the Dragons win several SOO places. I am all for our boys making the Blues side as it puts them well in the frame for Kangaroo selection at end of the year. What I am dreading tho is how our team fares without our best performers. Jack de Belin, Euon Aitken, Tyson Frizzell and Tadiq Sims are on the coaches radar for the Blues plus creative half Ben Hunt for the Maroons. Every year we fans and even some coaches lament the disruption to the best competition in world RL by the SOO..yet little is done to change it.. Why is it not played at seasons end purely as a trial for Kangaroo selection. Answer is simple.. the mighty dollar.

Euan Aitken missed the SOO cut but bullocking prop Paul Vaughn joins the Dragons contingent of Jack De Belin and Tyson Frizzell...with Tariq Sims in the squad at 19th man. That is four of out most impacting men in the Dragons engine room missing for vital premierships games during this oh so destructive period. As if that is not a bad enuff body blow.. the creative Ben Hunt is the new Maroons half. Will be interesting to see who Mary picks as replacements when the other two SOO are played. I have yet to see a Super Premiership game involving the Red V so little idea of players in form.